Thanks to the new family of self-propelled “TractionMax” axles offered by Adr Axles, agricultural trailers can now provide an additional propulsion system alongside that of the tractor, enabling operation even on the softest, most uneven or steeply sloping terrain
The idea itself—making an agricultural trailer self-propelled to facilitate travel on difficult ground and steep gradients—is not new. Until recently, however, it was only implemented through purpose-built systems driven mechanically. The collaboration between Adr Axles and the Finnish company Black Bruin has instead introduced the possibility of making virtually any trailer self-propelled simply by replacing its axle, or one of its axles, with the hydraulically driven “TractionMax” system.
ADR has in fact integrated two hydraulic motors externally onto a pair of modified 13-ton-capacity “4218M” brakes, suitably adapting them and connecting them via a hollow shaft inside which the hydraulic supply lines for the motors are housed. The result is a set of interconnected wheels that can be equipped with a wide variety of rims and tires, compatible with most ADR suspension systems and characterized by high braking performance, which the operator can call upon whenever necessary.
The presence of a “TractionMax” axle does not significantly penalize the trailer’s payload capacity and, in addition to enhancing the tractive capabilities of the working combination, helps reduce the stresses normally borne by the tractor’s drivetrain, limits tire wear and protects the soil thanks to optimized traction distribution between tractor and trailer.
These objectives are further supported by the second innovation introduced by Adr Axles: the new “Optimus” steering system, featuring rapid wheel realignment after each turn and a steering angle of up to 22 degrees. In Hanover it was presented in combination with the “RideMatic” pneumatic suspension, with a 13-ton load capacity and disc brakes—another new development from ADR in the agricultural sector.
Designed in this way, the system is able to keep the load platform optimally level at all times, regardless of the load being carried and the ground conditions on which the trailer is operating. The suspension reacts to the forces exchanged between the wheels and the ground, resulting in more stable, safer and more comfortable travel compared with that typically provided by traditional mechanical suspensions.
“RideMatic” also counteracts the dynamic load variations that occur when cornering at full load and high speed, helping to minimize crop transfer times from the field to the farm, thereby improving productivity and reducing production costs.
Title: Self-propelled TractionMax axles by Adr: from passive to active
Translation with ChatGPT
